What makes this resume great
This resume is a great example for an Accountant because it demonstrates a clear career progression from Junior to Senior Accountant, includes relevant and in-demand skills, and highlights experience at reputable companies. The candidate's education is directly related to the field, and the skills section covers both technical and software proficiencies essential for accounting roles. The resume is well-organized, making it easy for recruiters to quickly assess qualifications.
Resume summary examples for Accountant
Example #1
Strong Summary
Detail-oriented Senior Accountant with 8+ years of experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and tax preparation. Proven track record of improving financial processes and ensuring compliance with GAAP. Adept at using QuickBooks and Excel to streamline accounting operations and deliver accurate financial analysis.
Weak Summary
I am an accountant with experience in different companies. I know how to use accounting software and do reports.
Example #2
Strong Summary
Accomplished accounting professional skilled in managing accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and financial analysis for mid-sized firms. Recognized for accuracy, efficiency, and strong analytical skills.
Weak Summary
I have worked with accounts and numbers. I am good at my job and can do many tasks.
Example #3
Strong Summary
Results-driven accountant with a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Rutgers University and a history of optimizing financial systems and supporting business growth through data-driven insights.
Weak Summary
Graduated with an accounting degree and have worked in accounting since then. Looking for a new opportunity.
Resume achievement examples for Accountant
Example #1
Strong Achievement
Reduced month-end closing process time by 30% at ABC Financial Services by implementing automated reconciliation procedures.
Weak Achievement
Helped with the month-end closing process at my company.
Example #2
Strong Achievement
Managed tax preparation for over 100 clients annually, resulting in a 98% client satisfaction rate at GreenTech Solutions.
Weak Achievement
Prepared taxes for clients at my job.
Example #3
Strong Achievement
Identified and corrected discrepancies in accounts payable, saving Smith & Co. CPAs $25,000 in potential overpayments.
Weak Achievement
Worked on accounts payable and fixed some issues.
Essential skills for a Accountant
- Financial Reporting
- Budgeting
- Tax Preparation
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Bank Reconciliation
- GAAP
- QuickBooks
- Excel
- Financial Analysis
Resume best practices
Tailor Your Resume for a Accountant
Customize your resume for the specific position you're applying for. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the most relevant experience.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Ideally, your resume should be one page (two if you have extensive experience). Focus on achievements and essential information and avoid fluff.
Use a Clean, Professional Format
Stick to a simple layout with consistent font, spacing, and section headings. Use bullet points for readability. Avoid overly decorative fonts or colors.
Start with a Strong Summary
Write a compelling summary or objective at the top that briefly outlines your background, key skills, and what you bring to being a Accountant.
Emphasize Achievements Over Duties
Use bullet points to describe what you accomplished as a Accountant, not just what you were responsible for. Include measurable results when possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 25% in six months").
Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with strong action verbs like "Led," "Developed," "Improved," "Streamlined," to convey impact and ownership.
Highlight Skills and Tools
Create a dedicated skills section that includes technical tools, software, or soft skills relevant to being a Accountant (e.g., Excel, Python, CRM systems, leadership, communication).
Include Education and Certifications
List your educational background and any relevant certifications or ongoing courses. Mention GPA if it’s strong (generally above 3.5) and you're early in your career.
Proofread Carefully
Avoid spelling or grammatical errors since they can be deal-breakers. Ask someone else to review your resume or use tools like Grammarly.